A Body Image, Body Politics, and Body Justice News Roundup

       End the Violence

• As Mexican authorities investigate whether police used excessive force or opened fire first, witnesses were clear that the police were in the wrong against striking teachers and their allies during Sunday’s clashes that left 12 dead and more than 100 people injured in the small, Oaxaca state town of Nochixtlan.

• While anti-occupation and free-speech advocates decry New York City’s new executive order to punish companies and groups that boycott Israel, members of the Dream Defenders’ latest delegation to the West Bank share what they saw and learned on their trip.

  U.S. Democracy

• “The Republicans tried to shut it down, but the Democrats’ nearly day-long sit-in was still going Thursday and showed no signs of letting up.” The link is full of CNN Clips — while the goings on were still being televised — were a riot, literally.
• Alternet asks important questions about how Orlando has opened the door for more militarization of police in marginalized communities.
• The Supreme Court delivered a victory for affirmative action, but a blow to immigration on Thursday morning.

         Identity

• Rosanna Brunwin talks about the aftershocks of Orlando  in  After Orlando for Adios Barbie.
• “Every part of me wanted to stay out past midnight, but I knew to not push my parents’ limits. My friend did not understand the reality that she is a white girl and I am a brown girl. Unlike her, I was raised to fear the night and remain obedient to my parents. … [N]either understand my needs and experience.” — How I Made Space For Feminism In My Relationship With My Desi Parents by Nancy Uddin for Black Girl Dangerous
• The ex-lover of Omar Mateen the Pulse shooter, told Univision that the shooting was not about homophobia, but seeking revenge. … “Days after Pulse shooting, gay men were turned away by blood banks from donating to the 49 victims of the tragedy. Even if potential donors tested “negative” for HIV, they were still banned from giving blood.” Antwan Herron discusses how the stigma of living HIV+ compelled Omar Mateen to attack Pulse Nightclub for Wear Your Voice magazine.
• Tara Culp-Ressler discusses the role of toxic masculinity in mass shootings for Think Progress.
• “I got a news alert that my photo project, Just Me and Allah, which documents queer Muslims and their diverse experiences, had been mentioned in a major LGBT magazine website…. — Queer Muslims exist – and we are in mourning too by Samra Habib for The Guardian

• “[L]et’s be honest, what’s “trendy” right now is a Black woman’s body, Middle Eastern makeup and East Indian culture. The catch is that these trends are only admired and appreciated on white bodies. … And when I say “white people” I don’t mean individuals, I mean the structure of the society that we live in that systemically oppresses non-white people.  — My Culture and My Body Are Not Your Trends by Eman for Muslim Girl

Art & Culture

• “Growing up, Manish Vaidya used comedy for survival. … As the cocreator of Peacock Rebellion, a Bay Area group of artist-activist-healers, Vaidya brings together queer trans people of color (QTPOC) for creative workshops, events — and a very unusual comedy training program. — How a Closeted Queer Kid Created a Comedy Community by Lakshmi Sarah
• “For its eighth edition, the Hola Mexico Film Festival had partnered up with UNAM Los Angeles to launch its first-ever talent development initiative, “Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today,” a 10-day program for aspiring Latino filmmakers in Los Angeles … It sounded like an unprecedented opportunity, one that I greatly needed.” — I Spent 10 Days With The Future Of Latino Hollywood And This Is What I Saw by Carlos Aguilar for Remezcla
• “Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and hold your own Native Film Festival” Modern stories of Native life I can’t wait to start watching. — 11 Essential Native American Films You Can Watch In Your Online Right Now by Indian Country Today Media Network.
• I am over finding Black women the subjects of trauma TV, from fictionalized women in prison to housewives to hip hop and slavery. So imagine my delight when I came across You’re So Talented, a web series created by Sam Bailey and Sam Lee (Our Names Are Sam). It is presented by OpenTV. Sam Bailey stars as Bea, a struggling artist in her 20s. And it is simply delightful.